Curiosity about Dacre Montgomery spikes every time Stranger Things drops a new season — his portrayal of Billy Hargrove left a mark that keeps fans digging for more. This article separates confirmed facts from speculation, covering his personal background, physical details, and career milestones, including his birth on 22 November 1994 in Perth, Australia, and his early acting start at age 9.
Age (as of 2025): 30 ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) ·
Born: 22 November 1994, Perth, Australia ·
Known for: Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things
Quick snapshot
- Born 22 November 1994 in Perth (Wikipedia article)
- Portrayed Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things seasons 2–4 (Wikipedia article)
- Graduated from WAAPA in 2015 (Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts article)
- No public confirmation of marriage or a partner (Wikipedia article)
- Whether he suffers from OCD (no clinical diagnosis reported) (Wikipedia article)
- Future return to Stranger Things or next major role (Wikipedia article)
- 1994 – Born in Perth (Wikipedia article)
- 2016 – Cast as Billy Hargrove (Rotten Tomatoes profile)
- 2023 – Announced engagement to Liv Pollock (per media reports) (Wikipedia article)
- No official announcement of his next acting role as of early 2025
- Still active in the industry per recent interviews
Below is a summary of key data about Montgomery.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey |
| Date of birth | 22 November 1994 |
| Place of birth | Perth, Western Australia |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Known for | Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things; Red Ranger in Power Rangers (2017) |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Acting, WAAPA (graduated 2015) |
Dacre Montgomery’s Early Life and Education
Montgomery was born on 22 November 1994 in Perth, Western Australia (Wikipedia article). His mother is Australian-Canadian and his father is a New Zealander; both worked in the film industry at the time of his birth (IMDb bio). He began acting at age 9 with a theatre debut, and by age 12 he was taking comprehensive acting classes (Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts article).
He was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and completed a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Acting degree, graduating in 2015 (Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts article). His first screen credit came with the short film Bertrand the Terrible in 2010 (Rotten Tomatoes profile).
Bottom line: Montgomery built a solid foundation in Perth’s theatre scene and formal training before breaking into film. The early years gave him the range to later tackle complex roles like Billy Hargrove.
Dacre Montgomery’s Breakthrough Role: Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things
Montgomery landed the role of Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things season 2, which premiered in 2017. He appeared in the second, third, and fourth seasons (Wikipedia article). The character started as a menacing antagonist and evolved into a complex figure, culminating in a sacrificial arc. The New York Times described his performance in season 3 as “a daring performance as Billy, from possession at the beginning to a sacrificial act at the end.”
- He also played the Red Ranger (Jason Scott) in the 2017 film Power Rangers (Wikipedia article).
- His role in Stranger Things earned him widespread recognition and became the most googled question about his career.
The catch: While Billy’s death in season 3 seemed final, Montgomery has expressed openness to returning in flashbacks or alternate forms — but no official plans exist.
Does Dacre Montgomery wear a wig in Stranger Things?
Yes. Montgomery wore a wig to achieve the iconic 80s perm hairstyle for Billy Hargrove. In a Gold Derby interview, he confirmed that his natural hair is shorter and the perm was created with a wig and styling. The hair piece contributed to Billy’s distinct look and was a practical choice for the filming schedule.
Beyond the wig, Montgomery also trained physically to portray Billy’s intimidating physique. He reportedly worked with a stunt team and underwent a fitness regimen, though no specific weight-gain target was publicly documented.
The wig detail clears up one of the most persistent fan questions. Montgomery’s commitment to the role went beyond hair — he used every tool available to make Billy feel authentic.
The implication: His physical transformation was part of a larger effort to inhabit the character.
What is Dacre Montgomery’s ethnicity?
Montgomery’s mother is Australian-Canadian and his father is a New Zealander (IMDb bio). He was raised in Perth and holds Australian nationality. While some online sources claim Scottish and English ancestry, the verified records from his IMDb bio only specify the Australian-Canadian and New Zealand heritage of his parents. No further breakdown has been confirmed.
- His parents both worked in film production, giving him early exposure to the industry.
- Family names suggest possible British Isles roots, but no official genealogy has been published.
The pattern: Fans often conflate Australian identity with specific British ethnicities, but in Montgomery’s case the known mix is Australian, Canadian, and New Zealander. More detailed ancestry remains unconfirmed.
Does Dacre Montgomery have a wife?
As of early 2025, Montgomery is engaged to Liv Pollock, but no public confirmation of a marriage ceremony exists. The engagement was announced in 2023 per media reports. No other spouse or partner has been confirmed.
The catch: While the engagement is public, the exact wedding date remains unknown.
What happened with Dacre Montgomery?
Montgomery continues to act, with recent projects including the film Faces of Death. He has not left the industry, and his selective project choices have kept him out of the spotlight for extended periods. No official announcement of his next major role has been made as of early 2025.
The implication: His career moves are deliberate, and fans can expect news when he commits to a new project.
Dacre Montgomery’s Physical Stats and Career Timeline
Six milestones capture his journey from Perth to Hollywood:
- 1994: Born in Perth, Australia.
- 2003: Theatre debut at age 9.
- 2015: Graduates from WAAPA; first feature role in A Few Less Men (Rotten Tomatoes profile).
- 2016: Cast as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things (Wikipedia article).
- 2017: Plays Red Ranger in Power Rangers and Elvis (Spanish Wikipedia).
- 2023: Engagement to Liv Pollock announced (media reports).
Below is a timeline of key events.
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Born in Perth |
| 2003 | Theatre debut at age 9 |
| 2010 | First screen credit (Bertrand the Terrible) |
| 2015 | Graduated WAAPA, film debut |
| 2016 | Cast as Billy Hargrove |
| 2017 | Red Ranger in Power Rangers |
| 2023 | Engagement announced |
The implication: Montgomery’s career accelerated quickly after WAAPA. The gap between 2017 and 2023 shows no major new roles in mainstream film — he has chosen his projects selectively.
Timeline of Known Events
– Born in Perth.
– Theatre debut.
– Graduated WAAPA; short film roles.
– Cast in Stranger Things (season 2).
– Power Rangers released.
– Engagement to Liv Pollock.
What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Still Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 22 November 1994 in Perth, Australia.
- Played Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things seasons 2–4.
- Wore a wig for the character’s perm.
- Engaged as of 2023.
- Graduated from WAAPA in 2015.
What’s unclear
- Exact wedding date (if married).
- OCD diagnosis — no clinical source.
- Will he return to Stranger Things?
- Detailed ethnicity beyond parents.
- Why he left Stranger Things after season 4.
The pattern: The confirmed facts are well-documented, while the unclear items remain open questions.
Perspectives on Montgomery’s Career
A daring performance as Billy, from possession at the beginning to a sacrificial act at the end.
— The New York Times (review)
Montgomery has said he loved the complexity of Billy — the character was never just a bully.
— Dacre Montgomery in a Gold Derby interview
For fans of Stranger Things, the search for personal details often leads to dead ends or unverified claims. The takeaway is clear: Montgomery is a private actor who lets his work speak. Expect his next move to be as deliberate as his last — or wait for the next season to bring him back in some form.
screendollars.com, pl.wikipedia.org, ca.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, strangerthings.fandom.com, es.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
What is Dacre Montgomery’s full name?
Dacre Kayd Montgomery-Harvey.
When was Dacre Montgomery born?
22 November 1994.
Where was Dacre Montgomery born?
Perth, Western Australia.
What is Dacre Montgomery’s most famous role?
Billy Hargrove in Netflix’s Stranger Things.
Does Dacre Montgomery have a degree in acting?
Yes, a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from WAAPA (graduated 2015).
Also see related articles: Angourie Rice: Actress, Author, and Spider-Man Star and Karen Fukuhara: Answers to Her Most Searched Questions.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Reef Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.